Mission

The Department of Classics, Archaeology, and Religion is dedicated to teaching and research on classical cultures and a global span of religions. Through the critical study of ancient, medieval, and modern cultures, and using a wide range of methodologies, we examine the ideas and practices that have shaped and continue to shape societies worldwide. Central to our approach is first-hand knowledge of people, material culture, and texts in the original languages and in translation. The department houses undergraduate (B.A.) programs in Ancient Mediterranean Studies and in Religious Studies, as well as graduate programs (M.A. and Ph.D.) in Ancient Mediterranean Studies.

History

The Department of Classics, Archaeology, and Religion was established in 2021 through the merger of the Departments of Ancient Mediterranean Studies and Religious Studies. The latter was created at the University of Missouri in 1981, while Ancient Mediterranean Studies was formed in 2017 as a continuation of the Department of Classical Studies, a discipline that has been integral to the University’s curriculum since the foundation of the University of Missouri in 1839. The renaming of 2017 recognized the incorporation of Classical Archaeology, whose formal instruction began at the University of Missouri in the 1890s, into the Department of Classical Studies.

Inclusion, Diversity, and Equity 

The Department of Classics, Archaeology, and Religion is committed to creating and maintaining a scholarly community where all participants are equally welcomed. We believe in the inherent value of a supportive and inclusive environment free of prejudice and bias that values and welcomes persons of all cultural, religious, linguistic, ethnic, racial, political, and socio-economic backgrounds, genders, sexual orientations, identities, and abilities.  We strive to recognize our own implicit biases and pledge to work to minimize their influence in our teaching, research, and interactions with students, faculty, staff, visitors, and members of the public. We are eager to develop teaching practices that foster inclusiveness and promote equal participation, and we are committed to enhancing opportunities for historically underrepresented populations to have full and equal access to academic opportunities and support.